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The TV 'death watch' is on; which shows are goners?

By Chuck Barney, Contra Costa Times

Updated:
04/16/2013 08:18:46 PM EDT

BODY OF PROOF -- "Abducted - Part 2" -- In conclusion of the thrilling Season 3 premiere of "Body of Proof," Megan learns why a serial killer targeted war veterans and just how one of their prime suspects figures in the case. But the killer has kidnapped Megan's daughter and is making sure that, now that Megan has cracked the case, she cannot reveal the answers to her team or the police while Lacey's life hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, Kate comes under fire with District Attorney Dan Russell (Richard Burgi), on "Body of Proof" airing TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (RICHARD FOREMAN JR SMPSP)

Let the TV Death Watch begin. Yeah, it's that time of year again -- the time when broadcast networks are mulling over which shows to keep -- or kill -- for next season.

Ratings haven't exactly been stellar this season, so brace yourself. Things could get bloody.

I've compiled a list of shows that, as of now, are considered to be on the proverbial "bubble." These shows aren't all sure goners, but let's just say that they aren't sleeping easy.

THE END IS NEAR: One show that we know for sure won't return is "The Office" (8:30 p.m. Thursdays, NBC), which wraps up a nine-season run with an hourlong episode May 16.

I still believe "The Office" should have ended in 2011, when Michael Scott (Steve Carell) said goodbye to Scranton. After that, the sitcom simply lost much of its mojo.

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Even so, I've enjoyed much of what has gone down this season, for which original showrunner Greg Daniels returned to the fold. The show has regained some of its hilarity and heart, and I like how we're starting to find out about the work being done by the documentary crew that has invaded Dunder Mifflin for all these years.

That said, if the writers break up Jim and Pam, they better be ready to endure a storm of scorn.

'IDOL' THOUGHTS: So where do you assign blame for the ratings woes of "American Idol" (8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Fox) this season?
Is it the polarizing presence of Nicki Minaj? The inane utterings of Mariah Carey? The bland ballads and dumb theme nights? Is it simply old age?

You could answer "all of the above" and be right, but there's one more thing to consider: the lack of a talented male heartthrob. Yes, "Idol" has been so consumed with finding another female champ that it alienated perhaps it most vital fan base: teen girls who crush on cute young guys.

The closest thing it had to a legitimate heartthrob was the recently ousted Lazaro Arbos, but there was one small problem: He couldn't sing. As for his male counterparts, they not only lacked that certain swoon-worthiness, they just weren't that good.

And for that, we can blame the judges, who blundered badly during their audition choices.

FACING THE MUSIC: We can argue over whether "Idol" or "The Voice" has the best vocal talent. (We're still waiting for the latter to produce a real star.) But when it comes to which set of judges/coaches makes for the best TV, "The Voice" wins easily.

Fans had reason to fret when Shakira and Usher came on to sub for Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green. But the new kids have fit in just fine with vets Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.

Moreover, they're having a good time, playing well off one another and exchanging good-natured barbs. They're just fun to watch.

The "Idol" panel, in comparison, makes it feel like work. The four judges just pretty much do their own thing -- especially Nicki and Mariah, who clearly are going out of their way not to make eye contact or speak to each other. There's a frostiness that you can feel through the screen.

THE OTHER WOMAN: Thanks to "Mad Men," we may never again be able to envision Linda Cardellini as the (mostly) innocent little honor student on "Freaks and Geeks."

The Redwood City native, who also starred in "ER," made a stunning return to TV a couple of weeks ago as Don Draper's latest fling. She plays Sylvia, a married woman, who lives in Don's apartment building and has been carrying on an affair with him, literally, right under his wife Megan's nose.

Cardellini sizzles on screen and gives the character an air of mystery and intrigue. The actress, however, expects to feel the wrath of many fans who love Megan.

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